Highs and lows of SA boxing year

By Ron Jackson

In a year that produced a number of highs and a good many lows for SA boxers, Simphiwe Nongqayi and Mlungisi Dlamini were the leading lights. They will be at the front of the queue when votes are counted for the SA boxer of the year 2009. SA boxers won no fewer than ten “world titles” in 2009 but not many of them can be considered for a top-ten rating in the world. The exceptions are IBF champions Nongqayi and Moruti Mthalane, who could be ranked in the top ten of any of the organisations that run boxing. Some of the SA “world champions” did not hold on to their belts for long during a year in which there were fewer SA title and “world title” fights than in 2008. Only 24 national title fights were presented in 2009 after the 29 in the previous year. South Africans were involved in 22 “world title” fights in 2009 after appearing in 27 in 2008. There were no SA title fights in the heavyweight, light-heavyweight and middleweight divisions.

WINNING BELTS FOR SA

In February, Francois Botha won his second “world title” when he beat American Ron Guerrero to win the vacant World Boxing Foundation heavyweight belt.

In March, Takalani Ndlovu won the vacant World Boxing Foundation featherweight belt.

In April, Zolani Marali won the vacant IBO junior lightweight belt.

On July 11, Lovemore Ndou, who fights out of Australia, won the vacant IBO welterweight belt when he upset Phillip Ndou in Kempton Park.

Promoter of the Year: Jeff Ellis, who also did outstanding work for charity with his box-and-dine tournaments.

Punch of the Year: André Thysse, who made a comeback after being out for 32 months, knocked out Emmanuel Duma with a spectacular blow in the fifth round at Emperors Palace.

Disappointment of the Year: Vusi Malinga being stopped inside one round by Hozumi Hasegawa of Japan when challenging for the WBC bantamweight belt.

Chin of the Year: Chris van Heerden.

Most Improved Fighter of the Year: Klaas Mboyane.

Comeback of the Year: Phillip Ndou.

Mismatch of the Year: When Macbute Sinyabi stopped Desmond Samuels inside a round to retain his SA junior featherweight title

Worst Decisions of the Year: Ali Funeka being given only a draw against Joan Guzman in a clash for the vacant IBF lightweight belt and Nkqubela Gwazela winning on a majority points decision over Nick Otieno from Kenya in a ten-round bantamweight fight.

Saddest Moments of the Year: Soon Botes giving up against Thabiso Mchunu when challenging for the SA junior heavyweight title.